Understanding design for China

With the entire automotive world focusing on China at present, Hong Kong Polytechnic University School of Design (SD) has announced the creation of a new graduate program following that trend.

The MDes Design Practices scheme will focus upon transportation design issues in China, as well as the growing economies of Asia. The ten month program aims to familiarize students with the emerging trends and issues that are directly impacting and influencing transport in the Peoples Republic.

As part of the course, students will be tasked with anticipating the implications of these trends and issues with regard to the practice of Transportation Design in the future and come to understand how they as designers will contribute to the design of mobility solutions.

Students on the course will use a variety of research methods for gathering design centric data relevant to transportation planning and recent societal developments in Asia.  Regional case studies in China will be used as teaching tools for this subject. Major issues like government policies, economic, cultural, social and managerial systems will be explored for their significance in affecting transportation planning strategies.

The program begins in the second half of 2011 with a series of workshops taught by experienced transportation designers; featuring lectures and presentations about transportation issues. The program will conclude with the 'Capstone project' - a semester long, self- generated project that is China centric and relevant to emerging transportation markets there.

Prospective students are invited to apply by May 1st, 2011, with the cost of the 10 month program coming in at $14,000.

For further information, follow the link through to the Polytechnic's website:
Hong Kong Polytechnic Website
Or contact:
Martin Smith, Chair Professor of Industrial Design

By John O'Brien